Wild Badger 40V 16″ Cordless Electric Brushless Chainsaw Review

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So here’s the thing: I wasn’t new to Wild Badger when this chainsaw showed up on my doorstep. I’d recently taken their 40V snowblower for a spin…and let’s just say, it cleared more than snow…it cleared my skepticism about battery-powered outdoor tools. So, when I cracked open the box on this 16″ cordless chainsaw, my expectations weren’t exactly low. I was already half-hoping it would surprise me again.

And you know what? It did. Just not in the “cut-down-a-forest” way. More like… this-is-surprisingly-handy-and-doesn’t-make-me-smell-like-gas kind of way.

Unboxing & Setup

Simple enough that you could do it while half-listening to a podcast.

No joke, from box to buzz took me under 5 minutes. All I had to do was pop on the bar, loop the chain around (note: make sure the teeth face the right way), tighten a couple nuts, add the bar and chain oil, and slap the battery on the charger. That’s it.

It’s one of those rare setups where you don’t end up muttering under your breath or Googling a how-to video halfway through. Wild Badger nailed the no-fuss setup.

Build Quality of the Wild Badger 40V 16″ Electric Chainsaw

Lightweight? Yes. Tough? So far, yes.

At just around 11 pounds, this thing is… well, it’s refreshingly light. Like, one-hand-on-the-handlebar-while-moving-a-branch-with-the-other kind of light. My wife picked it up and said, “Oh, I could actually use this.” And she meant it.

Now, with that lightness comes a tradeoff…you don’t get that rugged, tank-like feel that some heavy-duty gas chainsaws have. But here’s the twist: despite its featherweight frame, I never felt like it was fragile. The chain brake works like a charm, the auto-oiler does its job without a fuss, and it never once choked under pressure (even if I did, trying to wrangle a bent-over sapling).

Battery Life & Charging

One battery = one good session. Two batteries = you’re unstoppable.

Okay, real talk…if you’re thinking of using this for longer cutting sessions (or if you’ve got hardwoods like oak on your hit list), just go ahead and buy the second battery. Trust me. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not halfway through a log with a dead battery and an “oops” expression.

You’ll get about 8–10 minutes of runtime cutting thick oak with a sharp chain, or roughly 8-10 passes through a 14” log before the juice runs low. Softer wood? It lasts a good bit longer.

Charging takes around 5 hours with the included charger…not a quick pit stop, but manageable if you plan ahead. Wild Badger does offer a fast charger that cuts charge time to about an hour. Bonus: the LED battery indicator on the battery is actually useful. Like, “Oh, I actually know how much is left” useful, not the vague “three dots of mystery” kind.

Also, big win: if you already own any of their other products, the batteries swap out like a dream. Interchangeability is one of those underrated joys in life.

Wild Badger 40V 16″ Electric Chainsaw Performance & Use

It’s not gas, but that’s kind of the point.

Let me be crystal clear: this is not a gas-powered beast built for clear-cutting 40 acres of wilderness. But it is the perfect sidekick for everyday jobs. I’ve used it to:

• Clear out storm-fallen branches
• Chop up firewood from a downed tree
• Trim sassafras saplings before they take over the yard like leafy zombies

And every time, it held its own. It’s quiet, doesn’t spew fumes, and starts with a button and the trigger…not a cord-yanking dance ritual.

The smart speed adjustment thing? Honestly, I didn’t even notice it at first…which is probably the best compliment. It just… worked. It slowed and sped up depending on what I was cutting, and I never felt like I was fighting it.

I stick to a basic sharpening routine…after two batteries’ worth of use, I hit the chain with a file. It’s kept the cuts smooth, clean, and “wow, that actually sliced right through” satisfying.

Warranty & Support:

3-year warranty. Haven’t needed it yet, but it’s a comfort blanket.

Three years of coverage for home and commercial use? That’s solid. I haven’t had to call Wild Badger’s support, but if it’s anything like their tools, I’m guessing it’s pretty straightforward.

The Verdict on the Wild Badger 40V 16″ Electric Chainsaw

So, here’s the bottom line: if you’re expecting a gas-powered monster, you’ll probably walk away underwhelmed. But if you want a battery-powered workhorse that doesn’t wear you out, doesn’t make your clothes reek of fumes, and handles 95% of home and yard tasks with surprising ease…this chainsaw shines.

Perfect for weekend warriors, storm cleanup pros, and anyone tired of pull-starts and spark plug drama.

At it’s price point? It’s a bit of a gem.

Would I recommend the Wild Badger 40V 16″ Electric Chainsaw?

Absolutely. Especially if you’ve got trees that need trimming, firewood to prep, or a yard that occasionally throws tantrums after storms. Just don’t forget that second battery if you’re tackling the big boys.

Oh, and one more thing…every time I don’t have to yank a cord to start it? That alone feels like a small victory.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5 if I could give half-stars)
Best For: Homeowners, casual DIYers, and anyone allergic to gas fumes. For more info or to pick one up, visit amazon.com.